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e Courts of Justice were installed, When Bytown "Nepean Point" was called; In politics he was a Tory, And thus doth end of him my story. Nathaniel Sherrold Blasdell, too, Who once a blacksmith's bellows blew In the old forge, which in the shade Of the Russell House still undecayed, Stands firm a landmark of the past, How long will such old memories last? He, too, was one of those who's hand Built up the bulwarks of the land, I say unto such men as he, _Requiescat in pace_. And Doctor Rankin, there he goes, With solemn brow and turned out toes Upon his mottled bob-tailed horse, Who's canter said, the patients worse, Or better, as the trusty steed Did indicate by passing speed. John Burrows, too, with serious air, Sung hymns and offered frequent prayer, And taught a Sunday School with might, To spread religion's early light, He held a post in other years Among the Royal Engineers, With Colonel By, a right-hand man, His course of favor he began, And once owned much of the wild land Upon which Ottawa doth stand. John Ghitty is a favorite name, His old hotel was known to fame, And travellers from far and near, Called at his temple of good cheer. A mason of most high degree, In the craft's early dawn was he. So much respected was he here, That unbought friendship o'er his bier Shed many a sad regretful tear. And surly old James Doran, too, A warrior of Waterloo, Kept with a despot's iron hand, The best hotel in all the land; Who entered there of human kind Was forced to leave his dog behind, For Doran had a frowning face For each and all the canine race. And Daniel Fisher, who kept store On Wellington's west side of yore, A most experienced auctioneer In somewhat more contracted sphere, Than circles trade's expanding flow Round Bermingham, McLean and Rowe And Michael Burke, who kept a still-- And made beer down below the hill Where malt and hops together came, And gave the "Brewery Hill" its name-- That hill with pathway to the right, Where Bank Street ends upon the height. And many a barrel of his beer Went down, the Irish heart to cheer, When ancient crowds did celebrate St. Patrick's Day in '28. But patriotism's spirit rose; From words contention went to blows, And ere the little "scrimmage" ended A crack that never could be mended, Was in a luckless cranium made, By one whom justice never paid; I cannot tell what colored ribbon He wore--his name was Dan McGibbon. CHAPTER II.
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